Romario calls for World Cup protests

Former Brazil international Romario has called for protests over the Brazil government's alleged neglect of vital infrastructure to continue during next year's World Cup.

Protests marred the Confederations Cup.

There is continued backlash in Brazil as citizens argue that too much money has been spent on organising the tournament at the expense of vital public services.

World Cup winner Romario, who is now a politician in his home country, would welcome a repeat of the public protests that marred July's Confederations Cup.

"I want people to see where their money is being spent and I am sure my message is getting across," he told Radio Globo. "One of the big positives is that people have taken to the streets and I want them to keep protesting up until the elections next year, and I believe they will."

It was widely reported that a number of stadiums used for the Confederations Cup were completed in excess of their budget and Romario claims public transportation and other services were sacrificed as a result.

Although the former Barcelona and Flamengo striker was quick to insist he is not taking a stand against the World Cup, he made his opposition to Brazil's preparation methods very clear.

"I am not against the World Cup but I can't be for the money that is being spent on it," he said. "As much as we want the World Cup the Brazilian people deserve respect, they don't deserve this open abuse of their money."